Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens More Than 200 People

More than 200 people in numerous states have become ill with cyclospora infections in an outbreak that began a few weeks ago, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most of the patients first became ill with the foodborne illness between mid-June and early July. Reported cases have occurred in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin and Illinois. At least eight people have been hospitalized.

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the illnesses, but have not made any connections with specific food items. Various types of fresh produce have been implicated in previous outbreak investigations, the CDC said.

No common events, such as social gatherings, have been identified among the patients and it is not clear if the cases from all of the states are part of the same outbreak.

Possible additional cases are currently under investigation, the CDC said.